Did you know, February marks National Kale Month? Known as a “superstar” vegetable, kale is a remarkable plant that has many nutritional benefits, including a generous handful of antioxidants and dietary fiber. One cup of kale (a whopping 33 calories) provides with 134% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, 206% of vitamin A, 684% vitamin K, 9% calcium. Kale and other members of the Brassica family like broccoli, cabbage, and sprouts, are rich with indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane, chemicals that scientists are understanding to be very powerful in slowing the growth of cancer cells. Like other dark, leafy greens, the nutrients in kale can help manage cholesterol, decrease fat absorption in the body, and keep our heart healthy and strong.

With all these great eye health benefits of kale, it’s no wonder we have a month of celebration for this fantastic leafy green veggie! To reap the most significant effects from your kale consumption, it is advised to keep it as fresh as possible. Boiling decreases the concentration of many of our essential vitamins and minerals, so try to eat your kale fresh, steamed, stir-fried, or baked.

A simple way to eat kale that we love are these healthy and delicious kale chips! Start off with a bunch of kale, rip or cut into chip sized pieces, toss in a tablespoon of olive oil, and bake at 350 degrees for around 10 minutes or until kale is crispy and a golden brown on the edges. Salt to taste and you have a fantastic low calorie snack!